A man has been apprehended in El Paso in connection with the tragic deaths of two teenagers from Round Rock. Sixty-year-old William Tudmon was taken into custody on May 16, 2026, facing several charges linked to a fatal car accident that occurred on Christmas Eve.
The incident involved 18-year-old Cooper Elsik and 17-year-old Brooke Patton, who were traveling to College Station to visit Santa’s Wonderland when their vehicle was struck. Both teens lost their lives as a result of the crash on Highway 79 in Milam County.
William Tudmon has been indicted on multiple charges, including two counts of intoxication manslaughter, as authorities allege he was driving while impaired and crossed into oncoming traffic, causing the collision. Following his indictment on May 14, Tudmon was arrested just days later during a traffic stop in El Paso for a broken brake light, where authorities discovered his outstanding warrants.
He was taken into custody without incident and is currently being held at the El Paso County Detention Facility without bond. In addition to the manslaughter charges, Tudmon also faces three counts of aggravated assault causing bodily injury for injuries sustained by three other individuals involved in the December accident.
In a heartfelt statement, Cooper’s father, Dewey Elsik, expressed gratitude for Tudmon’s arrest and thanked the deputies involved in the traffic stop, as well as the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Milam County District Attorney’s office.
In Round Rock, the community continues to honor the memories of Cooper and Brooke. A plaque dedicated to the teens is displayed at Soapy Falls Car Wash, where they both worked, featuring their photograph and the inscription, “We remember two bright lives gone too soon. Their kindness and love for everyone will impact us always. Forever loved.” A coworker reflected on their positive impact, stating they deserved to be here and were a source of goodness and positivity in their lives.
